Who remembers chucking sticky buds at friends in the playground so the plant stuck to their backs? While it’s a perennial favourite with youngsters, the pesky weed<\/a> (also known as cleavers, goosegrass or Galium aparine) can be a nightmare in the garden.<\/p>\n But before you uproot and throw away this year’s growth, an osteopath says it can be used to remedy various\u00a0health\u00a0issues<\/a>. In fact, instructions for making a drink from cleavers have been all over wild gardening forums on social media for the last few weeks.<\/p>\n Nick Tofalos, founder of a natural health clinic, took to\u00a0TikTok to extol its virtues. “Did you know that if you get this wonderful little plant and simmer it in water for 10 minutes and drink it… it’s amazing for fixing tonsillitis<\/a>.”<\/p>\n MORE FOR GARDENERS<\/p>\n However, other forums suggest that you can reap the benefits by just steeping the plant in cold water \u2013 so I tried it for myself. After a good wash and avoiding the less perky stems, I stuffed the sticky greenery into a jug and covered it with tap water.<\/p>\n After a couple of hours in the fridge, the result was a light and refreshing drink<\/a> with a slight cucumbery taste that was lovely during the hot weather. I topped up the water regularly, so the stems were kept submerged, and there was no sign of wilting for almost a week.<\/p>\n While I was drinking it for pleasure, Nick says the plant acts as a “lymphatic cleanser” and is used by some to treat skin conditions such as eczema<\/a> and psoriasis. “It’s in your garden and it’s in the hedgerows – nature knows best,” he added.<\/p>\n @health.detective<\/a> Cleavers! Goose grass! An amazing common garden and hedgerow plant that is a lymphatic cleanser. Great for tonsillitis and eczema. @Viridian Nutrition #eczemaawareness<\/a> #tonsilitis<\/a> #naturecure<\/a> \u266c Fun Time – HVRDVR<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n Nick’s TikTok followers were quick to respond with one saying: “I’ve got tons of that and I’ve got psoriasis. I’ll give it a go.” Another added: “My allotment has loads of it<\/a> so I’ve kept a corner down the bottom full of cleaver just in case we ever need it.”<\/p>\n The Express<\/a> reports that a study published by EBSCO in 2024 supports Nick’s views on the plant. It said: “The leaves and flowers are used medicinally. <\/p>\n “Cleavers is primarily used for urinary problems and fluid retention<\/a> because of its diuretic (urine-stimulating) effects. It has also been recommended for enlarged lymph nodes, skin conditions, tonsillitis, hepatitis, and snake bites.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n However, Verywell Health urges caution: “Cleavers is considered generally safe to use, but you may experience side effects and an allergic reaction is possible. Talk to your healthcare provider before using cleavers or other supplements, in order to avoid complications due to your existing health conditions or the medications you take.”<\/p>\n While the cleavers season<\/a> ends in mid June, it’s worth noting the tip for next year as the weed always returns. Alternatively, you can reap the benefits without brewing your own by taking herbal supplements. <\/p>\n Nick recommended Viridian Nutrition’s Cleavers Capsules<\/a> which cost \u00a319.70 for 90 but you can also get Naturalma’s Cleavers Mother Tincture<\/a> for \u00a313.59 on Amazon. People with pre-existing medical conditions are urged to consult their doctor initially and seek guidance from a GP prior to attempting any self-treatments.<\/p>\n Prices correct at time of publishing.<\/p>\n FOOD AND HEALTH ![\"Love](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/InYourGarden-WhatsAppPromoApp.png\")
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